Jim Feist Handicapper Reviews & Picks

This Northwest Division clash features two teams at opposite ends of the Western Conference standings. The playoff-bound Denver Nuggets host the struggling Utah Jazz in what projects to be a one-sided contest on paper. Denver sits third in the Western Conference and is within striking distance of the No. 2 seed. The Nuggets are coming off a strong win over the Milwaukee Bucks, powered by Nikola Jokic’s 39-point triple-double. Jokic continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. As a team, the Nuggets average 120.8 points per game (third in the NBA) and allow 117 points per game. Utah has endured a rough season and currently holds the worst record in the league. They've lost 14 of their last 15 games, including a blowout loss to Memphis in which they allowed 140 points. Rookie guard Isaiah Collier has been a bright spot, scoring 21 points in the loss. Offensively, the Jazz rank 21st in the NBA with 111.8 points per game and struggle defensively, allowing 120.1 points per game — second-worst in the league. Jokic’s return from injury has reignited Denver’s offense. Facing a porous Utah defense that has been vulnerable inside, expect Denver to feed Jokic early and often. The Jazz continue to be hampered by injuries. Jordan Clarkson is out with plantar fasciitis, John Collins is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Lauri Markkanen’s status remains uncertain due to illness. These absences severely limit Utah’s offensive firepower and depth. Denver has swept the first three meetings of the season, with convincing wins in November and December. The Nuggets have averaged 127.7 points per game across those matchups, while Utah has struggled to keep pace offensively. I don't see the Jazz being able to stay close here tonight. Yes, this is a lot of points to lay, but the Nuggets at home vs the Jazz will make it happen. Take Denver.

The NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 brings together two programs on contrasting historical paths: the rising Ole Miss Rebels and the battle-tested Michigan State Spartans. Michigan State Spartans (29-6, No. 2 Seed): Led by legendary coach Tom Izzo, the Spartans continue their postseason dominance. They earned their Sweet 16 berth with commanding wins over Bryant and New Mexico. Senior guard Jaden Akins anchors the backcourt with 12.6 points per game, while junior forward Jaxon Kohler provides a steady interior presence, averaging 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. Michigan State’s greatest strength lies in its perimeter defense—currently ranked best in the nation at defending the three-point shot, limiting opponents to just 27.8% from deep. Ole Miss Rebels (24-11, No. 6 Seed): Under first-year head coach Chris Beard, the Rebels are enjoying a historic run to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2001. Ole Miss upset North Carolina and Iowa State in impressive fashion. Senior guard Sean Pedulla has led the charge, averaging 20 points per game in the tournament. The Rebels excel at taking care of the basketball, ranking among the top five nationally in fewest turnovers. However, rebounding remains a weak spot, particularly on the offensive glass. The Spartans enjoy a clear advantage on the boards, especially given Ole Miss’s struggles in this area. Controlling the glass could tilt the game Michigan State’s way in terms of second-chance opportunities and overall possession control. I look for a physical battle here on Friday with Michigan State coming out with the win and cover. Play Michigan State.

A high-stakes Sweet 16 showdown is set as the fifth-seeded Michigan Wolverines face off against the top-seeded Auburn Tigers. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, making this a clash of styles that promises plenty of intrigue. Michigan Wolverines (27-9, No. 5 Seed): In their first year under head coach Dusty May, the Wolverines have been resilient and efficient. Michigan battled past UC San Diego in a close first-round win, then came back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Texas A&M in the Round of 32. The frontcourt tandem of senior center Vladislav Goldin (16.8 PPG) and junior center Danny Wolf (13.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG) has provided a steady scoring and rebounding punch. Sophomore guard Tre Donaldson adds balance to the offense, contributing 4.2 assists per game. Auburn Tigers (30-5, No. 1 Seed): Auburn enters the Sweet 16 with one of the most explosive offenses in college basketball, averaging 83.8 points per game. After cruising past Alabama State and taking care of Creighton, the Tigers continue to look like a national title contender. Junior forward Johni Broome has been a dominant force all season, averaging 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His ability to impact both ends of the court makes him a key figure in this matchup. This game will likely be won or lost in the paint. Michigan’s duo of Goldin and Wolf will go toe-to-toe with Broome in what should be a physical battle. The team that can establish interior dominance will gain a significant edge. While the big men get the headlines, guard play will be critical. Michigan’s Donaldson will need to control pace and limit turnovers, while Auburn’s guards will look to push tempo and create opportunities in transition. This Sweet 16 matchup has all the ingredients of a thriller—star power, contrasting styles, and high stakes. A trip to the Elite Eight hangs in the balance, and both teams will look to leave everything on the floor. I'm taking the points here with Michigan.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons meet for their fourth and final regular-season matchup in a contest featuring two Eastern Conference playoff contenders heading in slightly different directions. Cleveland Cavaliers (59-14): The Cavaliers currently sit atop the Eastern Conference, thriving on both ends of the court. Averaging 122.3 points per game while giving up just 111.8, Cleveland has emerged as a well-balanced and explosive team. In their recent win over the Trail Blazers, Darius Garland dropped 27 points and dished out eight assists, while Javonte Green added 25 points. Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Detroit Pistons (41-32): The Pistons come in having won four of their last five games and currently hold the fifth spot in the East. Scoring 115.4 points per game while allowing 112.9, Detroit has relied on strong contributions from both veterans and emerging young talent. In a recent win over the Spurs, rookie Marcus Sasser led the team with 27 points, while Tobias Harris chipped in 15 points and eight boards. Cleveland’s high-octane offense, led by Garland and supported by deep scoring depth, will test Detroit’s ability to defend in transition and in the half court. Both teams average 45.1 rebounds per game. Winning the rebbounding battle will be key in limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling the pace. Cleveland leads the season series 3-0, with wins in October (113-101), January (110-91), and February (118-115). The Cavaliers have largely controlled the matchups, although Detroit pushed them in their most recent meeting. The one issue for the Cavs is that they played last night at home and beat San Antonio, 124-116. Now they have to play the 2nd of a back-to-back spot and travel at that. I'm taking Detroit here plus the points.